Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture

Competitiveness

FAO and IICA partnered to strengthen the production and market access capacity of the Dominica Beekeepers Cooperative Society

Tiempo de lectura: 3 mins.

The project was to build capacity of farmers organization in six Caribbean countries including Dominica

DOminica2

Roseau, March 11, 2021(IICA) – The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), partnered in the implementation of a regional project, intended to support specific activities of the Global Action Programme on Food Security and Nutrition in Small Island Developing States. The key objective of the project was to build capacity of farmers organization in six Caribbean countries including Dominica. The Project was funded by FAO with IICA being responsible for implementing activities in the countries. A key output under the project was a mapping and assessment of capacity, of two producer groups in each of the six countries.  One of the two producer groups selected in Dominica was the Dominica Beekeepers Cooperative, an organization that IICA has worked with over the years.

Under the project, emphasis was placed on addressing some of the main challenges faced by members of the Beekeepers Cooperative including deficiencies in the area of marketing of their products and the need for bee supplements to improve product quality.  Consequently, the collaborating agencies proceeded to source supplements to sustain the beehives in the form of Bee Patties which are a high protein pollen substitute for bees.  It is anticipated that the supplement will sustain the beehives during the rainy season when there is a significant reduction in the pollen supply.  The result is that the beekeepers will have adequate supply of food for the bees, thereby sustaining honey production year-round and contributing to increased resilience in the apiculture industry.   Overall, it is hoped that the FAO and IICA will continue to support the industry and this intervention will result in not only continued domestic supply but also the exploration of increased intra-regional trade opportunities.  In a recent meeting among IICA technicians from across the region, the focus on supporting the efforts of producers to find regional markets was highlighted.  Allister Glean, Technical Specialist with IICA, committed to working with Mr. Kent Coipel to support the producers in this thrust. 

Dominica 3

A handing over ceremony took place on Tuesday, 10th February during which 11 beekeepers received Bee Patties in the first instance.   Present at the handing over ceremony were: Mr. Kent Coipel, Technical Specialist of the IICA Delegation in Dominica; Mr. Ryan Anselm, Local FAO Correspondent and Technical Officer for Projects and Services in the Ministry of Blue and Green Economy, Agriculture and Food Security; Dr. Lennox St. Aimee, Veterinary Officer; Dr. Natalia Lugay, Agricultural Officer II (Acting); and recipients of the Bee Patties. Mr. Kent Coipel in delivering brief remarks welcomed the collaboration between IICA and FAO in supporting the Dominica Beekeepers Cooperative in their efforts to strengthen production and market access capacity and achieve increased resilience and sustainability of the apiculture industry in the country. Mr. Coipel urged members of the cooperative to work closely together to further strengthen the organization and coordinate activities in the interest of all members. Mr. Ryan Anselm indicated that the collaboration between IICA and FAO served as an example of what could be achieved when key agencies work together towards a common objective. Mr. Anselm pledged the continued support of FAO and the Ministry towards the development of the apiculture industry.

 

More information:

Institutional Communication Division

comunicacion.institucional@iica.int

Share

Related news​

San José, Costa Rica

July 4, 2025

A new IDB-IICA publication maps the sustainable livestock farming initiatives underway in the countries of the Southern Agricultural Council (CAS)

This document summarizes the work carried out during the first year of operation of the Sustainable Cattle Farming Platform of the Americas. This is a collaborative space managed jointly by IICA and the IDB whose mission is to contribute to information sharing, collaboration, and the generation and dissemination of knowledge on the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of livestock production systems that coexist in the different regions of the Americas.

Tiempo de lectura: 3mins

San José, Costa Rica

July 3, 2025

IICA promotes environmental education in the classroom with its handover of the first Urban Productive Garden in Costa Rica

Officers of IICA’s Community Outreach Association, APC, handed over tools and guides to the “República de Paraguay” school, for the purpose of establishing a productive garden.

Tiempo de lectura: 3mins

Manuel Otero, Director General del IICA; José Emilio Guerrero, profesor de la UCO de España; Rosa Gallardo, Directora de la Cátedra de Inteligencia Artificial y Agricultura del mismo centro académico; Carlos Alzate, experto en IA y CEO de AI Fund; Gloria Abraham, Carlos Gustavo Cano Sanz, Eduardo Trigo, y Martín Piñeiro, miembros del Consejo Asesor para la Transformación de los Sistemas Agroalimentarios del Instituto; y Jorge Werthein, Asesor Especial del Director General del IICA.

San José, Costa Rica

July 3, 2025

Artificial intelligence represents a revolution with great potential for agriculture, experts say during IICA’s Advisory Council session on Agri-food Systems Transformation

During the discussion, participants emphasized the need for the integration of AI to be an inclusive process, with special attention given to small-scale and family farmers. It was also stressed that AI should not be seen as an end in itself, but rather as a means to transform agriculture with a focus on value chains.

Tiempo de lectura: 3mins